What is beavers in the past used for?

In the past, beavers were primarily hunted for their fur, which was highly valued in the fashion industry for making hats and coats. Their pelts were soft, warm, and water-resistant, making them particularly desirable during the fur trade era. Additionally, beavers were also utilized for their meat, which was consumed by various Indigenous peoples and European settlers. Their castoreum, a substance secreted by beavers, was historically used in medicine and as a flavoring agent.